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The lightest packs in our review, by a significant margin, are the REI Flash 55, ULA Catalyst, Gregory Focal 58, and Granite Gear Blaze 60. You do trade off a bit of durability compared to burly traditional haulers or pricier ultralight designs (which generally use Dyneema or tough Robic nylon), but we’ve been surprised with how well the Exos’ 100-denier body and base have held up.
Osprey is a backpack powerhouse known for quality builds, excellent organization, and comfort, as seen in industry-leading designs like the Atmos/Aura above. Though it can comfortably handle loads many lighter packs couldn't dream of carrying, there is no denying this pack is heavy. We also determined how well the pack's brain provides access to small items and whether those items stayed organized. The recently updated Crown is the most comfortable yet, featuring a compression-molded PE frame sheet and molded foam backpanel. If you appreciate the breathability and ventilation of a trampoline-style suspension, you will want to look elsewhere (we love the breathable suspension of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG).
Its padded, rotating harness moves with your body over rocky and rooted trails, and the suspended mesh backpanel keeps air flowing on hot days. In this fruitful journey we never want that you should lack in all the essential things you need during your trekking. This does translate to less durability overall (we got a small puncture in the bottom of our pack after putting it down on a particularly rocky section of trail), but Dyneema is simple to patch and the drop in weight will be worth it for serious thru-hikers and ounce-counters.
We’ve taken the Circuit on multi-day treks in Patagonia and up 14ers in Colorado, and have been impressed with how easy it is to load up, adjust, and even streamline as a day pack when needed. A pack cover can only do so much to lessen this reality, but it helps prevent excess water from soaking into the pack fabric, which will weigh down your pack. Gripes aside, if the Focal fits (it’s available in three sizes), it’s an excellent option for weight-conscious backpackers looking for a step up from a true UL design. Most packs have zippers on the front or back of the lid, which means that it's not as easy to get inside them without removing the bag.The new model comes in four sizes that vary in terms of length and hipbelt circumference, making it fairly accommodating for a range of body shapes and sizes. Choosing the convenient backpack for hiking isn’t easy because the market is flooded with so many different designs and models. The pack’s abundant straps, buckles, stitching, and add-on components could all be points of failure over time. An odor-fighting mesh and ventilated AirCushion backpanel deliver a cooler, fresher pack for extended trips deep into the backcountry. Do you have dated or entry-level backpacking equipment that doesn't compress well, or do you like to bring along a few extras?
Unlike much of the competition, the hipbelt can be adjusted to your exact waist measurement with the Crown’s updated Re-Fit system. There aren't many pack manufacturers that let you swap out waist belts and shoulder strap sizes to tailor your fit. Along with the changes outlined above, the latest version also includes a highly customizable hipbelt and shoulder straps (great for achieving a perfect fit), drops the built-in Sidekick daypack (not a big loss, in our eyes), and uses more recycled materials. For value seekers or those just dipping their toes into backpacking, REI’s in-house collection is a really nice place to start. The best-performing contenders for heavier loads are the Osprey Aether 65, the Gregory Baltoro 65, and the Granite Gear Blaze 60.This bag pack has water-proof resistant material, a padded mesh back panel, an ergonomic design, and various compartments. What we like: Excellent mix of carrying comfort, ventilation, and build quality at a reasonable weight. The ultimate in custom pack fit and available in three adjustable torso sizes, with fit ranges that overlap with one another, allowing you to size up or down to accommodate a smaller or larger body shape. Similar to packs like the Osprey Aether and Gregory Baltoro, the Aircontact Core features a thoughtfully built suspension and harness, adjustable torso length, and no shortage of storage, including dual hipbelt and lid pockets and a handy J-shaped zipper on the front.
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